Laser technology for various applications has caught the imagination of the industry worldwide more than 2 decades ago. Though a belated entry into industrial developments in India, the laser technology is highly promising, and many companies including some from Europe, China and Japan are jostling for space in the Indian market. This was evident from IPFonline's interaction with participants at the recently-held LaserTech India 2011, the 2nd International Exhibition on Application of Laser Systems in Manufacturing, in Mumbai. LaserTech was organised by Focussed Event Management Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.

"Laser as a concept is catching up fast India. The days when the Indian industry used to link laser with only cutting metals are over. Today the country has recognised its various applications. The other day, even an utensil manufacturer came to me to explore ways of utilising laser in his factory", said Mr John Chinn, Asia Pacific Sales Manager of JK Lasers, a UK-based company. The company, which has laser systems for welding, cutting & drilling, has a long history with India - nearly 26 years. The application of JK Lasers' systems include automotives, electronics, medicals and aerospace, said Mr R Sabarikanth of Optilase Techniks (I) Pvt Ltd, a Chennai-based company, distributing JK Lasers' systems in India for the last 2 years.

If imported technologies are surging ahead into the market, indigenous technologies are not far behind."Our technology is totally indigenous. We have laser solutions for every industry. We also provide customised solutions with a cost-effective angle", said Dr Arvind Patel, Managing Director of Sahajanand Laser Technology Ltd, located at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Sahajanand Laser is a manufacturer of laser marking & engraving, laser cutting, laser welding, solar cell scribing/micro-machining systems for industrial segment.

Mr T V Ravi Kumar, a mechanical engineering graduate from IIT Madras, launched Krisam Automation in 1995 in Bangalore. The fully indigenous technology developed by his team is focused on laser welding automation for car seat track. The total system includes a 5-axis robot, fume extractor unit, main machine, chiller, laser welding source, UPS and laser weld monitoring system. True to his engineering background, he spoke to IPFonline eloquently:"Once the cost of laser systems was high. We are now getting the volumes. So incidentally, the market should go up with the volume picking up". The company sources some components from abroad, but the design of automation is totally done in India, Mr Kumar added.

Some laser system companies from abroad, which see a big growth in India in the coming decade, are keen to test-market their products here. Delphi Laser Micromachining from China touts cost-effective laser micro-machining solutions for various industrial applications. Customised, flexible solutions and low production cost, a spokesman of the company says in his 'Chinglish' style. A placard placed strategically at its stall seeks "Reps Wanted for India". Another two Chinese companies - Wuhan Huagong Laser Engineering and Jiangyin Deli Laser Systems Co - were also in India to get a "feel" of the market and find out reps to represent them.

"India is a very interesting market", said Mr Corrado Arcaini, Director of LASERBERG Srl, an Italian-based international company specialised in industrial laser systems for engraving and cutting. "We developed high quality CO2 and YAG lasers for general purpose. We also have customised solutions with automation and software", said Mr Arcaini, with a beaming smile.

To a query on which segment his company is focusing, Mr Arcaini said, "there is no specific segment for laser. It has a wide application that can be developed with customised solution. Our company is already well-placed in Europe, South America, Africa and China".

Miyachi is a Japanese company with over 30 years of experience in laser processing and resistance welding industries. It runs 41 bases in 17 countries. The company has a 100% subsidiary, Miyachi India Pvt Ltd, located in Chennai. Its lone Japanese representative at the Stall in LaserTech, who was reluctant to talk in English, was supported by two assistant managers, Mr T Sivasurian and Mr S Shaik David. They said:"In India, Miyachi is focused on automobiles, auto-electric, battery, lamp and medicals. There are more fields it will be interested in in the Indian market which is booming".

There were also a few giants from the laser technology industry showing their might by occupying bigger space at the LaserTech, a niche, focused exhibition held in a single hall at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. Trumpf (India) Pvt Ltd, based in Pune, is one of them. This subsidiary of the German giant, Trumpf has its focus on automobile industry. "With its two divisions - Machine Tools & Technology - it has successfully combined production of car body with laser technology", said Mr Ashish B Kale, Head - Sales Administration.

Gordon Gould invented laser in 1958, but why is it still in its infancy in India?, asks a company spokesman with expertise in laser technology. He questions further: Is it the cost or lack of support? But most of the laser-savvy participants at LaserTech who IPFonline met, were certain that the watershed year for laser is here in India and that the industry would experience a boom sooner than later.